I remember my good friend & roommate at the time driving me to the airport so that I could make the show. I was 23 at the time. We got pulled over & I explained to the cop that I had a flight to catch to go see the Grateful Dead. At first the cop looked at us in disbelief but then he gave us an escort to the airport! I was shocked & thrilled at that! What a cool cop!
So I arrive in Tampa from Ft Lauderdale, took a cab to the stadium (I was at least 4 hours early) and was taken back by the amazing scene going on. There was so much love & positive vibes in the air, unlike any concert I had previously attended (or any thereafter) Met so many cool people & had grand old time just outside the stadium. Truly a one of a kind experience!
So I finally go inside the stadium to find my seat & see what's what. I couldn't believe how many different people from all walks of life were there. It truly was amazing. I've never experienced that much positive energy at a show before. It really was unique.
The show begins & the Black Crowes take the stage. I've seen them before (at the Sunrise Musical Theater) & knew what to expect. They put on a great show.
Then it was time for The Grateful Dead... At first I wasn't all that impressed (aside of some of their hits from the 70's & Touch Of Grey I hadn't really listened to them all that much) Then at start of their 2nd set, they played Eyes Of The World & that song just sucked me in. A close friend of mine had played me that tune a couple of weeks before I went to the show & It stuck. I had an experience to say the least at that moment & enjoyed the rest of their set. Many years later, I found the Tampa Conert on this site & I realized even more so just how fortunate I was to had experienced the Grateful Dead (even this one & only time) I wish that I had discovered just how truly life changing their music was at an earlier age. I'll never forget how magical & special this experience was.

My top moments were Eyes Of The World and Not Fade Away. I remember we left during this number and it was surreal. There were "twirlers" for what seemed like miles and miles. Sadly, I actually only got to see them twice.

me too : (

but i've got Furthur NYE coming up in SF!!
not the real thing but i'll take it.

:(